View Full Version : Shenandoah rafting/blue blazing
Hi there!
I'm currently 750 miles into my Nobo thru-hike and have heard that you can raft a 100-150 mile section on the Shenandoah river.
I understand that this is very do-able in a kayak but is it possible to do it in a hole made log raft?
I'm not sure what the rapids are looking like on the river and whether a log raft could handle them. So I'm here appealing for info from people that have rafted/kayaked the Shenandoah, is it a calm river, are there any white water areas and what category are they?
mattjv89
07-04-2016, 11:48
I can't comment on the log raft part, though my inclination is that sounds difficult to assemble with tools generally carried on a thru-hike. What I could offer from my experience is don't firmly decide on aqua blazing until you check with the local outfitters about river conditions. Last year the water was very low when I came through Waynesboro and the outfitters were telling everyone not to do it. Sure enough almost everyone who chose not to heed the advice had a bad time floating slower than walking pace or just bottoming out entirely, and bailed out early by Luray. Could be totally different this year.
There's several that have done it this year, but they are using canoes provided by an outfitter. You want to build a log raft and float 100 miles? I hope you have a waterproof SOS button.
LittleRock
07-07-2016, 15:04
This post reminded me of the Oregon Trail Game - the part at the end where you have to raft down the river:
https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zknEdvRXUnk137rTCiTUUNx_I2g=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3966486/pic8.0.jpg
Studlintsean
07-07-2016, 22:48
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/va/nwis/uv/?site_no=01626000&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,62620,62614
Hikingjim
07-07-2016, 23:24
I wouldn't be that concerned about large rapids. But some rocky areas with swift water could be hard to navigate in a raft
There are a lot of flat water areas where you won't have much current helping you out as well
I would only recommend that to someone experienced and with a partner, water levels permitting
I didn't blue blaze that section, but I've been on plenty of other sections before. Your log raft sounds like a wonderful misadventure that you'll enjoy. Just don't suppose it'll fit into a thru-hike, but your welcome to educate us.